QUESTIONS FOR ORAL ANSWER

Wednesday, 15 August 2001

Questions to Ministers

1. Dr the Hon LOCKWOOD SMITH to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: In light of the Prime Minister's comment that "It would be very, very unfortunate if the current crop of people who run power companies don't have that sensitivity to social needs.", what assurances can he give to Aucklanders that State-owned Mercury Energy's plans to have the power to raise household power prices every two days and vary any other terms at 48 hours' notice demonstrates this sensitivity?

2. JANET MACKEY to the Minister of State Services: What actions is the Government taking in relation to industrial action in the prison service?

3. RODNEY HIDE to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Has he or any officials of his office had any discussions with Reserve Bank officials over what prudential requirements the Reserve Bank will seek before it will grant New Zealand Post Ltd a banking licence; if so, what were the results of the discussions?

4. SUE KEDGLEY to the Minister of Health: Given Pharmac's concerns that direct-to-consumer advertising places a fiscal strain on the New Zealand pharmaceutical budget as it drives up demand for subsidised pharmaceuticals, presents an unbalanced picture of the potential risks all medicines carry and damages the doctor/patient relationship, why has she decided not to ban direct-to-consumer advertising of pharmaceuticals?

5. Hon BILL ENGLISH to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Has he communicated with any director of New Zealand Post Ltd, other than Dr Armstrong, regarding the assurance given to him by Dr Armstrong that the New Zealand Post Ltd board had approved of the decision to issue proceedings against Hon Richard Prebble; if so, has any director supported Dr Armstrong's claim?

6. NANAIA MAHUTA to the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education): How will the Government ensure a more targeted approach to public investment in tertiary education?

7. Hon MURRAY McCULLY to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: Further to his answer yesterday, what was "the process of board approval" which "the chairman specifically confirmed" in relation to New Zealand Post's decision to issue proceedings against Hon Richard Prebble?

8. Rt Hon WINSTON PETERS to the Minister of Health: Has she seen the public consultation document issued by Capital and Coast District Health Board which proposes removing the existing 100 overnight stay beds at Kenepuru hospital; if so, what steps will she take to ensure the full range of health services are provided for those residing in the northern suburbs of Wellington?

9. Hon Dr NICK SMITH to the Minister for State Owned Enterprises: What steps, if any, has he taken regarding the leaking of official information about State-owned enterprises?

10. MITA RIRINUI to the Associate Minister of Education: What work has this Government done to change the way it works with Te Kohanga Reo National Trust?

11. GERRY BROWNLEE to the Associate Minister of Education (Tertiary Education): Is he committed to expanding the export education sector so it will earn over $1 billion a year for New Zealand?

12. DAMIEN O'CONNOR to the Minister of Health: What additional funding has been put into Pacific Island health since the Labour-Alliance Government took office?

Questions to Members

1. RODNEY HIDE to the Chairperson of the Finance and Expenditure Committee: Following the Minister for State Owned Enterprises' last attendance at the committee, did the committee write to the Minister with a set of questions which it asked be responded to by Monday 13 August; if so, what has been his response?

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